During an official visit to Ethiopia, ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea inaugurated the celebrations marking the inscription of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia`s capital on the WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM list and have a line of high level talks in order to address the advancement of tourism in Ethiopia and the key role of the sector in the country’s social-economic development. (Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, 30 January-8 February 2019).
Debre Libanos Monastery and natural preserve has provoked awe to the ECTT executives. European Council on Tourism and Trade Director Vasile Vlasin declared that Debre Libanos is one of the world`s top natural and architectural marvels.
The Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Addis Ababa are currently implementing a number of strategic measures to further develop the country’s tourism sector, including investment in infrastructure and capacity building on destination management and product development, through the recently established Tourism Transformation Council.
Upon an invitation by H.E. Mrs. Sahle Work Zewde F.D.R Ethiopia President, European Council on Tourism and Trade President H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had visited Ethiopia at the head of a high level delegation.
These measures reflect how tourism is firmly established among the development drivers of the country, said Head of Government of Addis Ababa Takele Uma Benti in a meeting with President Dr. Anton Caragea, where he expressed his full support to the tourism sector, and the commitment of the Ethiopian government to make sustainability a priority in future tourism development.
Ethiopian art enthused all the representatives of the global tourism institution.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea commended Ethiopia for the political support awarded to the tourism sector and in particular for integrating tourism as part of its development policy.
In 2015 after the decision taken by the European Council on Tourism and Trade to select Ethiopia as the receiver of the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATIONaward the country registered an influx of over 1 million tourists and earned more than 2 billion dollars in 2015/2016 tourism year, numbers never achieved before and after in the Ethiopia`s tourism history.
The Head of Global Tourism Institution-ECTT H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea gives the start of Addis Ababa Culture and Tourism Festival and of Addis Ababa-WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM manifestations.
During his official visit, President Dr. Anton Caragea opened the cultural festival of Addis Ababa: Unity through Culture and officially entrusted the certificate and award for Addis Ababa as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
The Ethiopia`s President received also the Official Letter for World Leaders in Tourism Development highlighting Ethiopian government responsibilities for protecting culture and heritage and using tourism as a tool for development of their nation.
An extensive cultural programme was carved out for President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and his delegates and destined to offer them an extensive Ethiopian experience.
European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates having in the center Mr. Mark Doda-Head of Balkan Tourism Organization are enjoying an interesting cultural show in Ethiopia`s capital: Addis Ababa.
The European Council on Tourism and Trade delegation visited the provinces of Kaffa and Jimma, the birth place of coffee and the famous Palace of Abba Jifar located in Jimma.
Jimma tourism potential and Abba Jiffar Museum as well as the city open markets left an indelible mark on the delegates who appreciated the city architecture and elegance and Islamic heritage potential and valued the impressive remains of the Abba Jifar palace towering over the city.
The ECTT delegation enjoyed also an exclusive tour of the tourism and cultural potential of Addis Ababa environs like the natural crater lakes of Bishoftu and the splendid religious and cultural complex of Debre Libanos.
Debre Libanos unique role in Ethiopian Church development and the rich museum collections of the Debre Libanos Monastery are powerful elements destined to make the area a hot tourism spot.
In the familiarization tour around Addis Ababa the delegation had explored the Addis Ababa City Museum, The Ethnographic Museum (hosted in former Imperial palace Genet Leul, Haile Selassie Museum, National Museum etc.) the Saint George Cathedral and Holy Trinity and Entoto Heritage Area (encompassing the Palace of Emperor Menelik II, Churches Myriam Entoto and Saints Raguel and Elias).
President Dr. Anton Caragea emphasized the importance for future of Addis Ababa of better highlighting and package the impressive potential of the tourism and cultural preserve of the Entoto Area.
President Dr. Anton Caragea emphasized as urgency the enacted as a special tourism and cultural preserve of the Entoto Area, in order to ensure its better protection and tourism role in development of Addis Ababa and highly valued the decision taken by the new dispensation of the Head of Government of Adds Ababa Takele Uma Benti to promote a safe and cultural oriented tourism in the city.
President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea receives an Ethiopian art work from Head of Addis Ababa City Government Eng. Takele Uma Benti.
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You can read more about the letter for tourism and development leaders on:
President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea delegation included: the Director of European Tourism Academy, Academician Dr. Mircea Constantinescu, Director for Hospitality and Development Mr. Pavel Avramoiu, Mr. Vasile Vlasin-Head of Investment Division in European Council on Tourism and Trade and former Prime Minister Mark Doda, Chairman of Balkan Tourism Organization.
ECTT and Ethiopia have agreed to reinforce their collaboration in the areas of cultural protection, historical promotion, sustainable tourism development, public-private partnerships and marketing strategies etc.
ADDIS ABABA – The Global Tourism Institution: European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) has selected Addis Ababa as world’s capital of Culture and Tourism for 2019. In connection with the entitlement of the metropolis, Addis Ababa City Government Culture and Tourism Bureau has launched the 10th Urban centered culture festival yesterday under the theme “Culture for Nations Peace and Unity”.
State Minister of Culture and Tourism Bizunesh Meseret in her opening remark said that Ethiopia is a country endowed with different cultures and heritages and the society must discharge its responsibility in promoting our cultures.
Bizunesh added that in addition to promoting the culture the society must fight against alien culture and give awareness for the youth who are highly vulnerable to it.
Addis Ababa City Government Culture and Tourism Bureau Head, Assistant Professor Nebiyu Baye on the occasion noted that the decision of the global tourism institution European Council on Tourism and Trade to register Addis Ababa on the desired list of World’s Capital of Culture and Tourism comes in recognition of the ambitious plan by Head of Addis Ababa`s Government Takele Uma to place tourism at the fore front of the city development.
Nebiyu added that, the existence of a vast array of historical and religious monuments among the reasons for crowning the city as a world cultural and touristic hub the European Council on Tourism and Trade enumerated.
By this recognition of Addis Ababa as World Capital of Culture and Tourism, the capital city of Ethiopia is added on the world`s list of cities leading humanity into development and using culture and tourism as fundamentals for a better life.
Addis Ababa is a world-class urban tourism destination, with tourism sites ranging from full heritage sites, including traditional palaces, churches, mosques and famous markets like Merkato and Shiromeda, to state of the art architecture and museums.
Assistant Professor Nebiyu further expressed deep gratitude and appreciation for the society which participates in producing traditional cloth, poetry and other activities which expresses the culture of Ethiopia in a well manner.
Addis Ababa as host destination of World Capital of Culture and Tourism program will feature its fair and inclusive tourism initiative in the conference program, promoting the importance of building inclusive tourism for all.
The global tourism institution ECTT remarked in the official statement that, Addis Ababa is blending its position in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, with the potential of culture and history patrimony, becoming a true world treasure and without a doubt, one of the most impressive areas of Africa.
CELEBRATIONS MARKING ADDIS ABABA ROLE AS WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
Professor Dr. Anton Caragea The President of European Council on Tourism and Trade-ECTT (left) and President of Romania H.E. Professor Dr. Emil Constantinescu on the venue of ECTT Executive Board meeting.
The official letter penned by the Office of the President of European Council on Tourism and Trade outlines the role of tourism in promoting Ethiopia in the world, in building bridges of cooperation and friendship and highlighting the positive effects of the cooperation between the Presidency of Ethiopia, the local government of Addis Ababa and the Embassy of Ethiopia in Brussels, cooperation that allowed the nation to continue on the road for development via tourism growth and for poverty reduction strategy:
Ethiopia is an example of development activities, investment protection and facilitation, economic growth and wealth spreading to the nation and this is the creation of your life long experience and devotion to your people.
The world community statement of confidence in the bright future of Ethiopia nation and practical measures put in place, made your country succeeding in the WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM competition in recognition of your nation incredible wealth of traditions, natural treasures, history prowess and contribution to humanity legacy.
The world recognizes that Trade, Travel and Tourism are part of the international life and each and every one of our citizens became a world ambassador and a central actor on world stage.
EUROPEAN TOURISM ACADEMY EVENTS PROGRAMME FOR ADDIS ABABA
Nations that wish to attain their full potential and reach the picks of development, international recognition, economic growth and prosperous life for their citizens can’t remove themselves from the international tourism and trade arena.
Trade and Tourism are the key pillars for countries and billions of people, worldwide, in their efforts to achieve fully their live potential.
European Council on Tourism and Trade had become, and strides to remain, the driving force in the international promotion of culture, and patrimony and encapsulate tourism as the main vector in development and international cooperation.
H.E. Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, President of European Council on Tourism and Trade has publicly signed the official decision naming ADDIS ABABA as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM on January 19, 2019, in the presence of the diplomatic corps accredited to the global tourism institutions: European Council on Tourism and Trade and European Tourism Academy.
Addis Ababa was announced as the new WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM as the city is preparing for a string of celebrations during 2019 and 2020 marking 550 years as a political center and 130 years since in 1889 the Emperor Menelik II announced the city as the capital of his Ethiopian empire.
The decision of the global tourism institution-European Council on Tourism and Trade to register Addis Ababa on the coveted list of WORLD`S CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM comes in recognition of the city administration lead by the new city mayor Mr. Takele Uma Benti ambitious plans to place tourism at the root of the city development and in appreciation of the cooperation that Presidency of F.D.R. of Ethiopia extended to the Addis Ababa City Government.
European Council on Tourism and Trade President Dr. Anton Caragea (center photo) surrounded by Acad. Ion Iliescu-President of Romania(left photo) and Acad. Emil Constantinescu (right) President of Romania (1996-2000) announces the election of Addis Ababa as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM.
Among the reasons for crowning the city as a world cultural and touristic hub the European Council on Tourism and Tradeenumerated the existence of a vast array of historically and religiously monuments like the former imperial palace hosting today the Ethnographic Museum, the Entoto enclose of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu , the cathedrals of Saint George, Holy Trinity, Medhame Alem –the largest cathedral in Ethiopia and the second in Africa etc.
By this recognition of Addis Ababa as WORLD CAPITAL OF CULTURE AND TOURISM, the capital city of Ethiopia is added on the world`s list of cities leading humanity into development and using culture and tourism as fundamentals for a better life.
The global tourism institution ECTTremarked in the official statement that: Addis Ababa is blending his position, in one of the most beautiful regions in the world, with an extraordinary potential of culture and history patrimony, becoming a true world treasure and without a doubt, one of the most impressive areas of Africa.
Addis Ababa can capitalize on the city status as World Capital of Culture and Tourism creating special tourism offers and touristic routes in the city and his adjacent territory (like the Blue Nile Falls, Lake Tana etc.) in order to retain a growing number of tourists in the city.
With Ethiopian Airlines growth and more than 10 million travelers expected to pass through Addis Ababa an important part of these tourists could be attracted to spend at least one or two nights in the city bringing a substantial revenue into the city.
The decision of European Council on Tourism and Trade marks the end of a negative period in Ethiopian tourism and restarts the process to promote Ethiopia as a safe, tourist-oriented and perfect destination for the culture and adventure loving tourists.
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More about WORLD LEADERS OF TOURISM AND DEVELOPMENT can be observed here:
In January 2019 Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed revamped the Ethiopian Tourism Organization and selected a new leadership of the organization and H.E. Academician SAHLE-WORK ZEWDE, President of F.D.R of Ethiopia expressed the nation full commitment to support tourism development and carving a safe destination for tourism and investment in the heart of Africa.
This year we will implement a new system of candidature files analysis that will see working groups, per continents, selecting the final winners for continental candidature and the selected one country per continent will be submitted for evaluation for European Council on Tourism and Trade General Assembly slated for July 29th, 2017.
Under the former election model all candidates where directed for world tourism leaders for final evaluation, resulting in a huge load of work and decision that required two days of debates and discussion, while under the new procedure the results can be determined in the first day, concluded outlining the improvements Academician Mircea Constantinescu.
I trust that 2017 will be the year for Africa, stated Academician Ionut Costea the responsible for the European Council on Tourism and Trade ECTT Africa team candidature evaluation.
Our team will try to evaluate and propose to world tourism institution of ECTT the best candidates destined to bring WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD to Africa.
Africa needs recognition, tourism credentials and support and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the best notoriety provider and tourism confidence building instrument in the world and the only way to insure African tourism in promoted on international stage remarked Academician Costea.
I hope that 2017 will be one more time the year of Asian tourism in the spot light declared academician Mircea Constantinescu.
After the incredible success of Cambodia as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2016 that succeeded in garnering more than 1,6 million tourists supplementary in 2016/2017 and being officially the world leader in tourism growth in 2016 in absolute numbers and in volume, registering a world record.
We hope that: the new WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION will be an Asian country and a new world example on international forum and we will try to put forward the best name and candidature file for European Council on Tourism and Trade General Assembly decision.
It`s Latin America time to shine in the world at European Council on Tourism and Trade awards for 2017, stated Academician-President Ion Iliescu.
Our team will put forward the best tourist destination of Southern and Central America and as I personally visited and traveled in many countries of the region, I trust that it is time for Europe to support the region tourism development and to make the countries to grow from zero in tourism to hero status and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD is the perfect vehicle to achieve this, concluded former Romanian President.
On July 29th, 2017 the world tourism community will propose the name of the new victor of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD and the world example in tourism development.
Let us wish all the contenders success in the last leg of their journey towards WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION status!
More PR links on the WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARDS FOR 2017 you can find here:
A new year is always the time to draw the line and to contemplate all that was right and well done in the last span of time.
Ethiopia certainly has a lot to be thanks full in analysing the 2015 period, when the country was hailed as WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN THE WORLD for 2015 and received more tourism revenues during 2015 alone, than all other countries in Eastern Africa (including former tourism household names of Kenya and Tanzania).
Looking back to this time of glory and tourism and cultural prowess, that Ethiopia trust will be soon revived, THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD celebrated the magic number of 200 million viewers for ETHIOPIA- WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION IN 2015 documentary around the globe.
For the importance and significance of the article and the perfect vision offered for Ethiopian Tourism at the beginning of NEW YEAR 2017, we are offering for world readers this article on his original website:
Genre of Tourism What makes Ethiopia the world’s best tourist destination ?
by Esubalew Tadesse
03 Jan 2017 Society
As it is known, on June 25,2015 the General Assembly of The European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) has chosen Ethiopia as the world best tourist destination because of its tangible and intangible cultural assets. The assembly arrived on this decision after it critically scrutinized candidate countries performance in accommodating tourists coming from all over the world and the enabling environment in this regard. Prime Minister HaileMarriam Dessalegn also is awarded as the world best tourism leader of the year 2015.
In the award ceremony of World best Tourism Destination for 2015 folk dances, Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony were exhibited and academic presentations,by re-knowned intellectuals were presented.
In addition it was live broadcast-ed and viewed by more than 200 million people and will continue to be broadcast across Europe until the end of next year.
On the 9th of July 2015, the Minister of Culture and Tourism Amin Abdulkadir welcomed the European Union high ranking officials at the air port.
Later they visited Axum, Gondar, Lalibela, Harar Jugol, Hawassa, Bahir Dar towns.
The minister expressed his gratitude the the European Union support, for being Ethiopia elected as the World Best Tourism Destination and Favorite Cultural Diversity for 2015, a moment that will mark the full maturity of Ethiopian tourism industry.
The European Union delegation officials visit to Ethiopia helps the delegation to look what is happening in Ethiopia in the sphere of socioeconomic development and to understand how the country tourism contribute for the world in this regard. During the visit the European Union Council on Tourism and Trade President, Professor Dr.
Anton Caragea, graciously acknowledged that, the warm welcoming by his counter part . “I am pleased and honored to be in Ethiopia- the center of African tourism; now Ethiopia has emerged as the most rapidly developing economy and a symbol of African development.
Ethiopia is today a , safe and outstanding place in the world to be visited and all world tourism experts have expressed their confidence in the potential and future of tourism in the country”
The are many reasons Ethiopia to be selected for wining the World best tourist destination for 2015 prize and among others the Axum obelisk can be mentioned here, the obelisk indicated that the excellent preservation of human culture and the ruins of the city which was the center of the Axum empire.
The royal tombs, the church of he Arch of Covenant, the Saint Mary Imperial Basilica, where the emperors of Ethiopia were crowned all these testify how the country is enriched by material and non material culture ever since the establishment of the Axum empire. On the tour the European delegates, were opened the gates of the imperial museum which endowed with priceless treasures such as the garments of 10 emperors in which decoratively used during the crowning ceremony adorned with jewels and the robes used for imperial investiture.
The other site visited by the delegates was the Gondar castle – Gondar was the political center of the era of prince which prevailed for 150 years from the last quarter of the 18 century up to the mid 19 century.
During this time emperors were throne and throne by princes had a nominal power.
Most regions in the northern Ethiopia were out of the control of the palace in Gondar. The era of prince ended after the coming to power of Emperor Tewodross the II who reunified Ethiopia. But the Gondar castle which was the residential place of the emperors is recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage. The castle Gondar is nicknamed as African Camelot for its strange but perfect architecture.
Harar Jugol – The city comprises more than 82 mosques, 102 shrines sites which have unique interior design .
There are also 4000 saints tombs known by the Islamic world as Medinat Al Awliya and UNESCO recognized the city as cultural heritage tolerance. The famous city wall known as jugol, and the French poet Arthur Rimbaud house in Harar have been attracting many tourists coming from all over the world.
Lalibela – the holiest Christian city in Africa, also known as the second Jerusalem encompassing eleven medieval stone carved churches beginning from the 13th century. Out of six of the eleven rockhewn churches including the famous grave of Saint Lalibela, the church of Medhane Alem (Our Saviour) and Holy Cross Church are very impressive.
Konso – Cultural Landscape containing 55 kilometers of stonewalled terraces and fortified settlements.
Lower Valley of the Awash river is one of the most archaeologically prestigious site where human fossil known as Lucy aged more than 3 million years is found. The Lower Valley of the Omo river also containing fragments pertaining to early humanity development and the fossils of Homo Gracilis.
The rich cultural and historical legacy of Ethiopia is not confined to the above mentioned sites there are also new prominent cultural and ritual sites such as Sheik Hussein Bale,’ Melka Kunture, paleolithic site in the upper Awash Valley; Gedeo Cultural and Natural landscape, Bale Mountains National Park, Sof Omar Cave – the longest cave in Ethiopia which is 15.1 kilometers long.It is also the longest system of caves in Africa sacred for Islam and for local Oromo population.
Tiya standing stones – This archaeological site found in the Guraghe zone of Southern Nation and Nationalities region. There are 36 standing stones among them 32 are engraved with enigmatic symbols notably swords.
Lake Tana – is the source of Blue Nile river located in 3000 square kilometers and the larges lake in Ethiopia which has 37 islands. There are more than 20 churches and monasteries in the Islands.
Blue Nile Falls is a breathtaking falls originates from the largest lake of Ethiopia (Tana) is four hundred meters wide and forty six meters deep. Near to this fall there is an amazing bridge Named ‘enqulal dildiy’ meaning Egg Bridge which was built by Portuguese in 17th century.
National Parks – There are more than 15 natural national parks in Ethiopia. In these parks there are diversified animals, plants and birds. Among them 31 mammals, 37 birds, 14 reptiles, 30 amphibians, 7 arthropods, 4 fish and 12 % of the 700 species are endemic to Ethiopia.
There are also 8 reserves, 18 controlled hunting areas, 4 sanctuaries. These national parks can serve as ecological and green tourism that must be recognized throughout the world.
Erta-ale (Smoking Mountain) – This active volcanic mountain is found in Afar Danakil depression. Even though the region is lowland and very hot it is visited by many tourists annually. All the tourists that come from all over the world wonder the area.
Ethiopia is also a center for safari and adventure tourism, offering large areas suitable for special kind of tourism, if the necessary infrastructure are stretched the country could be one of the world’s top tourism destinations.
The religious festival of Masqel ( the finding of the true cross) were recognized as being of world significance and registered as UNESCO World heritage monuments.
This amazing award provided to Ethiopia tremendously helps the tourism industry.
The award also manifests how Ethiopia is competent in the world tourism and advertise the country tourism asset and it is time to exploit the created opportunity.
Tourism is a business which could transact billions of dollars in which helps the country to earn the much needed hard currency.
In addition it play crucial role by triggering the expansion of infrastructures such as roads,hotels,air ports, piped water,electric light,It and other service providing business so that create job opportunity for thousands in which further stimulate the country economy. More and more the sector growth enable the industry internationally competent.
Source: European tourism news, WTO news.
A short video of the event can be watched here:
More articles about ETHIOPIA-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015
ECTT Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia proclaimed the official launch of the new national tourism brand on the grounds of the 3rd General Assembly of the Ethiopian Tourism Transformation Council.
The tourism executives gathering is the first after Ethiopia was selected WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for 2015 and registered a historical record in tourism growth surpassing regional tourism powerhouse: Tanzania and Kenya and marking 1 billion dollars in supplementary tourism revenues.
Announcing the perfects results of 2015, Year of ETHIOPIA: WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION. From right to left: CEO of ETO-Solomon Tadesse, H.E. Academician Hailemariam Desalegn-Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia.
According to the Ethiopian Tourism Organization (ETO) CEO- Solomon Tadesse the new brand: ‘Ethiopia: Land of Origins’ is designed to keep alive this momentum based on European Council on Tourism and Trade generous support.
On the occasion, ETO noted confidence that the new brand would position Ethiopia by positively differentiating it from competitors in a way that authentically resonates across tourism stakeholders.
It was also noted that ETO developed the new brand by conducting extensive research in consultation with stakeholders, tour operators and potential tourists in source markets.
The national tourism brand, as stated by ECO, contains the summary promise of “Ethiopia invites you on an adventure in which you will discover the origin of so much: history that is a mysterious mix of myth, legend and fact; culture that is vibrant, creative, alive and shared; and a landscape that is warm, dramatic, primal and teeming with life”.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn noted that: “The reason we have established Tourism Council is to give greater focus toward transforming the tourism sector. This can be realized only when the stakeholders exert joint effort to avert challenges in the sector”.
“We have made a good stride by designing a 10 year master plan for the sector concluding Ethiopian Prime Minister.”
Ethiopia has a vibrant living culture.
It is today a brilliantly diverse mosaic of people`s living together in harmony. Unique century-old religious festivals, colourful celebrations and charming customs like the coffee ceremony – coffee is Ethiopia’s gift to the world – offer you a chance to share the country’s heartbeat and to experience the warmest of welcomes.
Ethiopia was elected by WORLD TOURISM INSTITUTION-EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE as FAVOURITE CULTURAL DESTINATION IN 2015 and WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION for the same year on the account of landscapes of stunning beauty and dramatic contrasts from the soaring pinnacles of the Simien Mountains – the Roof of Africa – to the plummeting depths of the Danakil Depression, the lowest – and hottest – place on Earth. You will find cloud forests such as those in the Kafa Biosphere Reserve – the sole home of many wild coffee varieties – active volcanoes, hot springs, cool underground caverns, rugged gorges, spectacular waterfalls, rivers and shimmering lakes.
The largest, Lake Tana, is the source of the life-nurturing Blue Nile.
Moreover, Ethiopia is the fourth largest bio-diversity zone on Earth and you can see plants and animals here which are found nowhere else.
IRS Market and Research Company outlined the impressive results of the countries that marketed themselfs or their main tourist cities as capitals of culture and tourism or as world best tourism destinations.
Receiving the report, European Council on Tourism and Trade President-Professor Dr. Anton Caragea remarked that: I am so happy to see how previously unknown and un-marketed destinations receive mass media limelight and are pro-pulsed as emerging tourist destination.
Diplomats from this nation`s are having their tasks made easier, as their countries are propelled on the top nations stage and economic growth and investment.
I receive countless expression of gratitude for our support from leaders, politicians and ambassadors, who are finding their exertions much facilitated by tourism seal of approval of ECTT, but the most moving are the stories of the people`s who find jobs and opportunities, that other ways would have not existed.
But now their life are richer and more dignified, this is the transforming power of country branding via culture, history and tourism.
This is internationalization and nation branding achieving their best results!
World Best Tourist Destination status brings also free publicity in articles, television of more than 50 million for Laos People`s Democratic Republic, around 30 million for Zimbabwe and the top is lead by Ethiopia who benefited of a publicity coverage of more than 60 million euros.
What is more important than just the figures mentioned in the marketing report is the fact that these countries will benefit for years and years to come by their achievements as world best tourist destination or world capital of culture stated Mr. Radu Alexandru, communication unit chief of European Council on Tourism and Trade.
The reports finding are limited to october 2015, while tourism promotion and branding is an ongoing process that can never be fully accounted for declared the european official.
No other museum succeeded in making on the list of WORLD FAVORITE MUSEUMS in 2015, but ETHIOPIA NATIONAL MUSEUM form Addis Ababa made it.
On the arguments that put the Museum on the right track in the cultural world where the refurbishing of a new wing destined to conserve their countries priceless artifacts and cultural patrimony.
The Ethiopia National Museum made it on the list of WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM on the account of garnering the most relevant artefacts of the incredible history of Ethiopia.
The Museum is having in his exhibitions an outstanding treasure of crowns and objects pertaining to the long list of emperors of Ethiopia, coronation artefacts, imperial insignia and memorabilia.
Selam-the body of the second most old hominide male.
The museum has also prided himself with impressive collections of weaponry, agricultural and everyday life objects from all the national groups and minorities from the territory of today Ethiopia, this makes it one of the largest ethnographic collection in the world and spawning for two millennia.
Of course, the crowning jewels of the permanent exhibitions at the Ethiopian National Museum are the outstandingly preserved bodies of Lucy and Salem (the oldest human remains in the world).
National Museum of Ethiopia: a most stop for every world tourist.
If Ethiopia is proudly named the “cradle of the civilisation” and “the place where it all begins” than a visit to the WORLD`S FAVORITE MUSEUM-the place where the forefathers of humanity are placed is a must for any human being.
This visits where a proof that: the Ethiopian National Museum has become a lynchpin of culture and a most see stop over for all the citizens of the world.
During the European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) official visit to Ethiopia, ECTT President, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, met with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Foreign Minister, Tedos Ghebreyesus, State Minister, Berhane Gebre-Christos, Yaekob Yalla, Minister of Trade and Minister of Culture and Tourism, Amin Abdulkadir, to create a climate favorable for tourism and trade development and for awarding to the people and Government of Ethiopia, the world most important recognition for tourism advancement-WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION AWARD FOR 2015.
(Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 9-15 July 2015).
On the landmark occasion, of the universal proclamation of World Best Tourist Destination for 2015, a top ranking delegation from European Council on Tourism and Trade was invited for a discovery tour of Ethiopia, the receiver of this year most influential tourism designation.
We are WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION is the hymn of Ethiopia ! A perfect song for a perfect destination!
The visit took place between 9 to 15 July, 2015 and included an important political and diplomatic dimension, with European Council on Tourism and Trade President -Professor Dr. Anton Caragea holding discussions with Minister of Trade-Yaekob Yalla, Minister of Foreign Affairs-Berhane Gebre-Christos and H.E. Amin Abdulkadir – Minister of Culture and Tourism of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and an inclusive and profusely dialogue with Prime Minister of F.D.R. Ethiopia- Academician Hailemariam Desalegn.
Ethiopia tourism is having a perfect future ! with the hand shake between Prime Minister of Ethiopia-Hailemariam Desalegn and ECTT President-Professor dr. Anton Caragea.
The inclusive dialogue, concentrated on promoting bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, supporting business people and firms from both regions in cooperating and promoting the exchange of techniques, skills and economic goods.
Gala dinner for European Council on Tourism and Trade (ECTT) President and his high ranking delegation. (from right to left): Minister of Culture and Tourism – Amin Abdulkadir, H.E. Prime Minister – Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, H.E. ECTT President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea , Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia-Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
On diplomatic arena a cooperation and further developing of honorary consul’s network across the world, was established, with a view to foster tourism, cultural and economic cooperation.
During his official visit, Professor Dr. Anton Caragea met for an extensive dialogue Prime Minister Desalegn Hailemariam, who, on the occasion of WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION CEREMONY FOR 2015, was presented with the WORLD LEDERS OF TOURISM LETTER of European Council on Tourism and Trade, calling on Heads of States and Government to “promote peace and world development via the tourism sector”.
ECTT and Ethiopia have agreed to reinforce their collaboration in the areas of tourism promotion, management of tourism product development, and cultural marketing strategies, as agreed in the discussions between Professor Dr. Anton Caragea and the Minister of Tourism and Culture of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Mr. Amin Abdulkadir.
ETHIOPIA IS THE LAND CHOSEN BY GOD ! an WORLD BEST TOURIST DESTINATION FOR 2015 proclaimed President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
On July 10, 2015 European Council on Tourism and Trade President -Professor Dr. Anton Caragea had presented the World Best Tourist Destination for 2015 insignia to Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Academician Hailemariam Desalegn.
H.E. ECTT President – Professor Dr. Anton Caragea, Minister of Culture and Tourism – Amin Abdulkadir, H.E. Prime Minister – Academician Hailemariam Desalegn, are directing the proceedings for World Tourism Awards Ceremony for 2015.
Academician Mircea Constantinescu, Director of European Tourism Academy is presenting the Honorary Academician Title to Prime Minister of Ethiopia- Hailemariam Desalegn.
The ceremony for World Best Tourist Destination for 2015 included also folk dances, Ethiopian traditional coffee ceremony and academic presentations, supported by leading figures of Ethiopian cultural establishment.
H.E. Prime Minister and Academician Hailemariam Desalegn and European Council on Tourism and Trade President- Professor Dr. Anton Caragea in the center of Ethiopian government and European Council on Tourism and Trade visiting delegation.
The ceremony for World Best Tourist Destination in 2015 was live broadcasted and viewed by more than 200 millions viewers and will continued to be presented across Europe for the next year.
Axum Cathedral: the place of coronation for Emperors of Ethiopia. The last emperor to be crowned here was Haile Selassie I
From 10th July, the European Council on Tourism and Trade President and his delegation embarked in a cultural and tourism program visiting Axum-the first capital of Christian Africa and the centre of a world power in 100 to 400 BC that controlled trade across the Read Sea.
Anton Caragea-President of European Council on Tourism and Trade looking over Axum-the first capital of Ethiopian empire (300 a.Chr.)
In Axum, the delegation visit the royal tombs, the Church of the Arch of Covenant, the Saint Mary Imperial Basilica, where the emperors of Ethiopia were crowned.
Specially for European delegates, were opened the gates of the imperial museum, containing the priceless treasures of ten Ethiopian emperors from garments, to crown adorned with jewels and the robes used for imperial investiture.
From Axum, the old imperial city, the delegation led by President Anton Caragea has being directed to Gondar, the capital of Ethiopia from XVII century to XIX century.
Here they have a chance to admire the fiery Amharic dances, in a wonderful welcoming ceremony, offered by the local authorities, enjoyed the fabulous gondarine cuisine at famous Four sisters’ restaurant and toured the imperial city.
European Tourism delegation is touring the outstandingly preserved Imperial compound of Gondar- Ethiopian empire capital from 17 to 19 century. Behind is the the world famous Fasil Ghibli-Palace of Emperor Fasilides.
Gondar is also world renamed for his architecture and for housing almost ten emperors, in a period of glory for Abyssinia, as Ethiopia was known in that time.
Garnering Portuguese influence, with Indian and English architectural designs, Gondar is nicknamed as African Camelot for his strange, but perfect architecture.
Welcoming in Lalibela with flowers and the beautiful children of Ethiopia: Anton Caragea- European Tourism President and European Senator Ionel Agrigoroaei.
European Council on Tourism and Trade delegates were received with a religious ceremony in Lalibela, the holiest Christian city in Africa and the second Jerusalem, as in worldly known.
More than 5000 pilgrims, priests and deacons, welcomed President Dr. Anton Caragea and offered to him and his delegation, special ceremonial robes, to mark their entrance in the holy city.
European Tourism President-Dr. Anton Caragea addressing to priests, pilgrims and believers at Lalibela-the capital of Christian Africa.
On this occasion, President Anton Caragea held his gratitude speech known as: To The People of Lalibela, a discourse that quickly captured the imagination of the inhabitants of Lalibela.
An impressive tour of six of the eleven rock hewn churches was conducted, including the famous grave of Saint Lalibela, the church of Medhane Alem (Our Saviour) and Holy Cross Church.
Lalibela is a city greater than words, nothing can prepare you for his atmosphere and nothing can describe it!-President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
In the final leg of the trip, European Council on Tourism and Trade President and his party were treated with a wonderful welcoming to the bustling and sunny south of Ethiopia and with his famous Lake District city of Hawassa.
The delegates were welcomed to music and a fire display by the head of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia and enjoyed a tour of Lake Hawassa, a discovery of the city landmarks and a special night show that touched their hearts.
The Rift Valley Lakes of Ethiopia are an internal sea, that can be perfectly used for tourism and leisure.
A special surprised was offered by HE. Minister of Culture and Tourism of Ethiopia, Amin Abdulkadir, who arranged for ECTT President Dr. Anton Caragea delegation a special discovery tour of Harar-the fourth most holy Islamic site.
Mihai Prundianu, ECTT Trade Chairman pose for a photo in front of famous Harar landmark-Grand Jami Mosque.
The city comprises more than 82 mosques and 4000 saints tombs known in the Islamic world as Medinat Al Awliya- the city of saints and a UNESCO heritage site.
The delegates were welcomed with a coffee ceremony and a tour of famous city enclosure, known as Jugal, and a visit to famous French poet Arthur Rimbaud house in Harar.
The visit, to extraordinary city of Harar, was the perfect gift for our delegates, appreciated Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
The European delegation official visit to Ethiopia is a sign of the country inclusive development, political, clout and prominence in Africa and a mark of the country taking the rightful place that is deserved amidst the most cultural and historical developed country in the world, concluded his remarks, President Professor Dr. Anton Caragea.
WORLD TOURISM NEWS FROM EUROPEAN COUNCIL ON TOURISM AND TRADE 
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